Ligament injuries are quite common, especially for athletes, particularly to the ankles, feet, shoulders and knees. While some injuries are minor and can heal on their own in a few days or weeks, other injuries require specialized treatment, performed by qualified medical professionals. Regardless of the severity of the damage, you will likely be able to recover from your ligament injury.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Minor Ligament Injuries at Home
Step 1. Cool the ligament
Make sure you apply ice to the injured area as quickly as possible. You can do this by covering the skin with a towel, then placing ice on the affected area. Keep ice on the lesion for 10-30 minutes every 1-2 hours. Repeat the treatment for 2-3 days.
Step 2. Compress the injured limb
Once ice is applied, you should compress the area of the injury. Use elastic bandages to put pressure on the area to stabilize it and limit swelling.
Make sure the compression device you use does not restrict blood flow to the limb
Step 3. If necessary, use crutches
If you need to move, you should use crutches or other similar tools. This way you won't strain the injured limb and the healing process can go on without further stress on the ligament.
Your doctor may recommend a knee walker or other type of walker instead of crutches
Step 4. Put a brace on the injured area
These protectors are used in combination with crutches or knee walkers. They are designed to stabilize the injured limb and prevent further damage. Without them, you may not be able to walk and if you do, you may end up worsening your condition.
- Knee braces are among the most common and are often used to treat anterior cruciate ligament problems.
- Braces are only effective for certain types of ligament injuries.
Step 5. Lift the injured limb
Raise it above the level of the heart for as long as possible. This reduces swelling. You can keep your foot, ankle, or knee on top of pillows or a chair, while if the problem is with your wrist, use books or a pillow to keep it elevated while you work.
Step 6. Allow time for healing
Time is the most important factor in the healing of a ligament. Unfortunately, it can take a long time for the injury to heal completely, but this depends on the extent of the injury.
- A first-degree injury can heal in a few days.
- A second degree injury may require the use of crutches or braces for several days. Additionally, you may need to stop exercising or sport for up to 60 days.
- A third-degree injury may require the use of a brace or cast for more than a month and heal only after weeks or months.
Step 7. Take anti-inflammatories
These drugs relieve pain and reduce swelling. Just be sure to follow the directions on the product regarding dosage and consult a doctor if any side effects occur.
Avoid medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories if you suspect that you have suffered bone damage
Step 8. Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals
You can take many vitamins to help heal your ligaments quickly. Consequently, make sure you are eating enough vitamins and nutrients every day. The best way to do this is to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, flax seeds and fish. You can also take supplements. Make sure you get enough:
- C vitamin.
- Vitamin A.
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Zinc.
- Antioxidants.
- Proteins.
Method 2 of 3: Consult a Medical Professional
Step 1. Consult your doctor
Your family doctor can assess the extent of the injury and provide you with treatments to relieve minor injuries. If the problem is more serious, they can recommend an orthopedist to contact. If necessary, he will prescribe anti-inflammatories.
Step 2. Get examined by a rheumatologist or orthopedist
These doctors specialize in the musculoskeletal system and are able to determine the best way to treat a ligament injury. They will ask you questions about the cause of the injury, the symptoms and then recommend the most appropriate treatment.
A specialist (such as an orthopedist) can recommend surgery or other therapy
Step 3. Talk to a personal trainer
Based on the severity of your injury, you should consult a personal trainer, asking about the activities you can do to help heal your ligaments. You will likely be advised to limit the strain on the injured limb as you work to strengthen the muscles surrounding the injured ligament.
Ask your doctor if he can recommend a personal trainer
Step 4. Ask your doctor for diagnostic tests
There are many tests that can reveal information about the severity of the injury to your ligament. Without these tests, the doctor will not be sure of the extent of the damage and will not know if other ligaments, tendons or bones are involved.
- Your doctor will likely start with an X-ray. While this test cannot detect damage to the ligaments, it does rule out any fractures.
- After the X-ray, your doctor will usually prescribe an MRI scan. This diagnostic test allows you to create an image of your musculoskeletal system, including the injured ligament.
Method 3 of 3: Treat the Injury with Surgery
Step 1. Ask for a reference for a surgeon
If the injury hasn't healed after two weeks of conventional treatments, you may need surgery. Ask your doctor for the name of a musculoskeletal specialist or a surgeon experienced in ligament surgery.
Step 2. Undergo a reconstruction surgery
Some damage to the ligaments, particularly those to the anterior cruciate of the knee, can only be cured or fixed with an operation. If the damage is extensive enough, your doctor will likely recommend this solution. During the surgery, the injured ligament will be replaced with a nearby tendon.
- Ligament reconstruction surgeries have a 95% success rate.
- The reconstructed ligament will function as well as the original one and will last for a lifetime.
Step 3. Use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine
Your doctor will probably advise you to use this machine after the surgery. It is a device that moves the limb (usually the leg) in a series of movements. Start slowly and with limited movements, gradually increasing the speed and intensity.
Step 4. Get Physiotherapy
For most people, this is the only way to complete the healing process initiated by ligament reconstruction surgery. During this activity, a physical therapist will help you regain joint mobility in a slow and measured process.
- Your doctor will likely recommend that you have physical therapy three times a week.
- You will need to do physical therapy exercises at home every day.
- It can take days, weeks, or even months of physical therapy to make a full recovery.
